Investigators have determined the hot air balloon that crashed in Texas on Saturday did come into contact with high-tension power lines. The hot air balloon made contact with the power lines, burst into flames and crashed into a pasture in Central Texas. All sixteen passengers on board were killed, according to federal authorities. This hot air balloon accident is the worst disaster in U.S. history. Investigators know that a power line was tripped at 7:42 a.m. on Saturday. A spokesperson with the National Transportation Safety Board reported the first 911 call came only a minute later. Aerial photos of the crash site show the scorched land located near a row of high-tension power lines. The spokesperson confirmed there is physical evidence that a component of the balloon hit the wires which caused the crash. The NTSB is still focusing on gathering witness statements.
The 49-year-old pilot’s identity was released but not the passengers. A married couple was among those killed in the crash and posted pictures of the balloon ride on social media just moments before the balloon was seen falling from the sky. The NTSB's crews recovered 14 personal electronic devices such as cameras and cellphones that will be transported to their Washington lab. Saturday's crash is the deadliest hot air balloon accident on record. In a similar accident in 2013, 19 people were killed, and two were injured in a hot air balloon fire over Luxor, Egypt.
If you are dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one after an unfortunate accident, contact an attorney at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, today. Our initial consultations are at no cost to you.